(Watch Rafael Fernández Caballero discuss his overall win with BBC Breakfast)

Oceanographic: Congratulations on becoming 2024’s Ocean Photographer of the Year! Tell us about the background behind your winning shot of a Bryde’s whale emerging from the deep, about to take a bit.

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “The image captures perhaps the most special – and craziest – moment of my life. It fills me with joy having lived this moment – and to have captured the image. The winning shot was taken in Baja California Sur, Mexico, during the Mexican sardine run. I captured the moment a Bryde’s whale took a bite from a baitball. The entire scene was incredible, from the colourful dorados surrounding the baitball to the sea lions and sardines swimming in the open ocean. The whale came out of nowhere with its mouth wide open, and the sight was nothing short of surreal. The Pacific waters were calm that day, making it a perfect opportunity to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

Oceanographic: On a personal level, what makes the image so important to you?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “This image represents a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me. For years, I’ve visited the Mexican sardine run, always hoping to witness a whale feeding on a baitball. It’s one of the most spectacular predation events you can witness, and I was lucky enough to be there with friends to capture it. My friend Mekan, another photographer, was right behind me but missed the shot, yet his generosity and happiness for me made the moment even more special. It’s not just about the image itself, but about the shared experience and the thrill of being in the right place at the right time.”

Oceanographic: How did you feel when you found out you won this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year? 

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “I couldn’t believe it. This is a dream come true. Spectacular. Being a part of the best compilation of ocean photography this year – and receiving the top recognition – drives me to keep believing in what I do and to continue showcasing the ocean’s wonders. I never focus on winning awards – I simply love taking photos. So when I was named the overall winner of something I admire so much, I had to re-read the message several times to make sure it was real. It’s an honour and a privilege, but it’s something I never expected or worked towards intentionally. The feeling of knowing that my work resonated with others at such a high level is still surreal.”

Oceanographic: Let’s go back to the start… when did you first connect with the ocean?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “I fell in love with the ocean early on in life during my childhood. Back then, I would accompany my father, a professional submarine photographer who has worked in the profession for over 30 years, on his trips. My fascination with the ocean has begun when I was just seven years old. That day, I received my first 7 litre scuba tank, perfectly sized for me to start diving. From that moment, I have never looked back, and diving has become a part of my life. Initially, I spent years diving without a camera, just learning and observing the underwater world. Those early experiences are what solidified my lifelong bond with the sea.”

Oceanographic: How did you get into underwater photography?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “As mentioned earlier, I was just focused on diving for many years to learn as much as possible and to simply enjoy the ocean. However, the urge to take photos grew stronger as I watched my father capture breathtaking images. Eventually, I picked up a camera and that marked a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about diving anymore – photography became an obsession, driven by my desire to document and share the incredible moments I was witnessing below the surface. That’s when I moved from being a passionate diver to becoming a full fledged underwater photographer.”

Oceanographic: How would you describe your style of photography?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “My photography is about storytelling. I aim to capture the ocean’s most spectacular and often unseen moments, always with a narrative behind them. The sea is filled with unique stories, and I seek out those moments that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful. Technically, I strive to present these stories in a way that leaves a strong impact, combining precision and power without focusing on a specific style. I want to show the raw beauty and strength of the ocean.”

Oceanographic: Why did you decide to enter the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “I was fortunate to win the Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year category in 2022, which was a huge honour. In 2023, I missed the submission deadline because I was in a remote location. But in 2024, while I was in South Africa during the sardine run, I knew I had to participate. I had recently experienced unforgettable moments, including the winning shot, and I felt it was the right time to share these incredible experiences with the world.”

Oceanographic: Any advice for aspiring underwater photographers?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “My advice is simple: go out there with passion and heart. Don’t set grand expectations for yourself. For me, passion has been my guide, and it’s what has kept me going even through the toughest times. You may doubt whether it’s possible to live off this work, but if you put your heart into it, it will pay off in ways you can’t imagine. Stay true to your love for the ocean and let that guide your journey as a photographer.”

Oceanographic: Your favourite ocean moment to date?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “This is a tough one to answer, as I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many unforgettable moments in the ocean.”

Oceanographic: What’s the main aim behind your photography? What are you trying to achieve?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “The main goal behind my photography is to give a voice to the ocean. I want to reveal this great unknown to the world so that we can protect it. Through my images, I aim to capture incredible moments that connect with people on a deeper level, inspiring them to fall in love with the ocean and fight to save it. As Cousteau said, you need to know something in order to love and protect it.”

Oceanographic: What plans do you have for the future? Any exciting expeditions planned?

Rafael Fernández Caballero: “I have many exciting plans ahead! In October, I’ll be traveling to Norway to see orcas and the Northern lights, which I’m really looking forward to. After that, I’ll be returning to Mexico for the sardine run. Next year, I’ll be working on a project for Spanish television with my friend Gotzon Mantuliz, which is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. There are many more destinations and projects on the horizon, and I invite anyone who’s interested to join me on these adventures – or to follow along on Instagram!”

You can now see all 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year category winners and finalist images here. Or for the latest updates on the entry process and more, go follow OPY on Instagram: @opy_awards